It has been an unusual week. On Wednesday new headlines highlighted the fact that modelling by the Canadian military suggests "as many as 41 per cent of Winnipeggers might have active COBID-19." This was and is an extraordinary high proportion. Not only have case numbers been very high this week, but the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has gone up reaching 517 individuals in hospital in Manitoba with COVID-19 infections, and 45 individuals in ICUs in Manitoba with COVID-19. Of the 517 individuals hospitalized with COVID, 36 are no longer infectious but are still in hospital. Of the 45 individuals in ICUs, 2 are no longer infectious. These numbers are very high and very concerning. The Premier should have provided a clear plan as to what the province will do if the numbers continue to rise. She did not. Manitobans, including doctors and nurses, are being kept in the dark as to any plans. ICUs n other provinces are full at the moment so transfers to other provinces are not so likely as earlier in the pandemic when the ICU capacity was exceeded and many ICU patients were transferred to other provinces. Instead of providing a plan the Premier, on Wednesday said it is "up to Manitobans to look after themselves". Specifically the Premier said "Manitobans need to look after themselves. The government can't protect everyone out there." Manitobans are left waiting. The government should have done better. Indeed, many Manitobans are losing confidence in a Premier who faces a crisis and does not present a plan to get through it.
Too often, our homes, buildings, and outdoor spaces are designed without sufficient consideration given to how they will impact little people, those with large bodies, or those with disabilities. Manitoba should become a leader in designing and building new structures so they’re comfortable and accessible to all. Further, the province needs to do more to adapt our existing infrastructure, so that it meets everyone’s needs. The design of our built environment makes daily living a challenge for too many. A friend, who uses a wheelchair, must call ahead wherever she goes to ensure she can enter a restaurant, store, salon, etc. A young person in River Heights has a struggle each fall to make sure that with his cerebral palsy he is able to get the support he needs to do well in school. A large-bodied man I know has been bedridden for five months because he lacks access to a usable lift or wheelchair. Samantha Trubyk, President of the Little People ...
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